Hello Dear One,
There are ten days until the end of the year. How do you feel?
I won’t tell you to challenge yourself, switch off entirely or set some goals – because the person who knows you best is you. I would encourage loads of compassion, especially if you’re not feeling very sparkly. And laughter.
I know how busy this time of year can be and there are many things you might be feeling right now. One of my personal 2021 wins has been soothing myself. One tactic is a question that brings me back to the now and calms anxiety. I’ve used it to talk myself down from a panic attack and when I haven’t felt glorious. I like it enormously, as instead of feeling that I ‘have to be grateful’ or push for more I can observe and feel good.
Ask yourself:-
Really. Journal on is as many times as you like. A few of mine today: baths; seasonal TV; cacao; the records I own; an amethyst crystal; socks; my journals; gold hoops; the first new dress I bought in ages; writing to you; you reading this letter; candles; fairy lights; the smell of cinnamon; my dog tearing towards me with a stick; the woods; my car; winter skies…
All of these are loveable.
So, I’m encouraging myself to repeat this, whether in morning writing or by pausing, putting a hand on my heart and taking it in, especially if I feel stressed or anxious. This doesn’t mean we can’t use writing to deal with challenging experiences over Christmas – go to the archive for topics like anxiety, moodswings and anger – but we can also choose this as a practise.
I hope it serves you. I hope you know how far you’ve come and let yourself feel it. I hope you can forgive yourself for silly mistakes. I hope you give yourself what you need and have the space to work out what it might be. I hope you know you are valued. You are here.
And whether you’ve been here with me since day one, or you’ve just signed up for my letter: thank you. Thanks for being here, and being you.
Sending you all the love this Christmas,
Jo
No matter what this year has brought join me in honouring where you’ve been, where you are and where you’re going. This two-hour workshop includes exercises which are nourishing, poignant and fun. No experience required, all of you is welcome.
Limited spaces now available for 30th December AND I have added a second date of the 6th of January, both at 7.30pm GMT.
You can also purchase this workshop as a replay only, meaning you can do it at a time of your choice – I’d still love to hear how you got on!
In need of some magic right now? How would it feel if you were supported and cheered to write? And given prompts designed to relieve stress, help you connect to your inner voice, build self-compassion, soothe yourself and more?
My audio bundles are mini-workshops you can do anytime, anywhere. Available with and without music, they’re yours forever when you purchase. And I’ve added a gift option if you are looking for a meaningful Christmas present for a loved one.
Find out more, or grab a free one now (yay, definitely do this!) by signing up here.
AND FINALLY
If these letters made a difference to your year, month or day like, share, comment or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi. I appreciate every single thing.